Hospital suicide
Rafael and Maria Alarcon have set up a shrine with photographs, a prayer book, rosary and Christian icons in the bedroom of their son’s room in their Pasadena home Wednesday. Jorge Alarcon, who had been diagnosed schizophrenic, was found dead after an apparent suicide Monday in a county-run mental hospital. (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Maria and Rafael Alarcon say they thought their son was safe after being admitted to a County-USC Medical Center mental health facility. (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Wooden crosses made by 26-year-old Jorge Alarcon. He apparently hanged himself Monday at the hospital. (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Rafael Alarcon holds a wooden cross his son made. Jorge had become very religious in recent years and walked around the Pasadena neighborhood with the cross, preaching the gospel door-to-door. (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Family friend Augustina Solano, right, comforts Jorge’s sister, Claudia Wells. (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Rafael and Maria Alarcon embrace in their son’s bedroom as they go through his belongings. (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)
